Truth and Falsehood Faith and its Challenges

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Third Year

Gospel Matthew 7:24–29 Truth and Falsehood

Jesus says:

“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it fell to the ground.”

When Jesus had finished speaking, the crowds were amazed at his teaching. He taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. (Matthew 7:24-29 Third Edition)

False Prophets and Their Influence

We live in an age when faith and spirituality arouse interest, but also questions. In our Christian country, the word of God does not always speak to everyone. Material things, such as money and possessions, take up a large part of our time and attention. This can be seen in studies where over 60% of people say that they are more interested in financial success than in spiritual matters. In such an environment, the line between truth and error can become blurred when different proclamations constantly influence our lives.

In order for the truth of the Gospel to be found and preserved, Jesus warned about false prophets. This warning is as relevant today as it was then. False prophets have been part of history since the Old Testament; they preached repentance and foretold the coming of the Messiah. The era of prophets is considered to have begun with Abraham and ended with John the Baptist, but there have always been abuses.

When Jesus came, religion began to split along with his teachings. This created fertile ground for false prophets, and Jesus warned that after him many would come who would lead people astray. At present, the motives of false prophets can be self-interested. It has been estimated that over 40% of current religious movements can be classified as false, which means that many people are easily trapped by misinformation.

Identifying a False Prophet

Recognizing a false prophet is an important skill. Jesus gives the instruction: "By their fruits you will know them." This means that we should look at the impact of teachers and prophets on the surrounding society. For example, a teacher who encourages spirituality and community can lead people on the path of peace and love. On the other hand, if a teacher brings with him competition and inequality, it can be a sign of unreliable teaching. False prophets often have ulterior motives that are not related to the gospel of Jesus. They emphasize wealth or power for the benefit of their organization or themselves. Therefore, it is important to consider what kind of fruit their teachings produce – do they lead to peace or to resentment?

Materialism vs. Spirituality

Materialism and spirituality can compete with each other in today’s society. Many of us have beautiful homes and expensive cars, but can we be happy without a deeper meaning? Young adults in particular feel the pressure of a materialistic lifestyle; for example, the majority of young adults say they feel more pressure to succeed financially than spiritually.

When materialism dominates our lives, we can forget what is truly important. People who are looking for deeper meaning can easily fall prey to the teachings of false prophets who offer superficial happiness. This can lead to a break with God and a loss of our life goals.

Searching for Truth

We should ask how we can find truth in the midst of a variety of beliefs. Can genuine, lasting faith be achieved? A good place to start is by evaluating ourselves. Where do your beliefs come from? Are they personal, or have you adopted them through the influence of others? Self-reflection and self-reflection are key. When you question your own thinking, you can find deeper meaning in your life. Start by writing down questions for yourself. For example: What is most important to me in life? Listen to others, too, because shared discussions can open up new perspectives and help you grow.

The role of community in strengthening faith

Community can significantly strengthen our faith. Connecting with others is vital to our spiritual life. Community provides a place to share thoughts and feelings. It is also a place where we can receive support and strength.

For example, research shows that people who regularly participate in community events experience greater spiritual satisfaction. In community, discussions, moments of prayer, and various events can lead to deeper understanding and strengthen our faith. Questions can open doors to deeper understanding. Find questions that are important to you. Do you have questions about your own beliefs? Be brave in asking. Finding answers can require humility and open discussion with others. Join in the discussions, as the learning process can reveal new perspectives.

Summary

We live in a time when truth and error are blurring. When considering the meaning of faith, it is important to consider what we truly believe and why. False prophets and the hustle and bustle of our times can prevent us from finding the source of peace and truth. Ultimately, the fruits of our teachers’ true impact will be evident. Remember, faith is personal, but community support can help us in all things. The search for truth is a journey filled with meaning and beauty, and it offers an opportunity for growth together. Let us be courageous in our investigations and ask where the truth is found—this journey is worth it.